Spring is here for the Healthy Lifestyles Coalition. Several spring programs are underway!
In partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension, experienced North Side neighborhood gardeners are facilitating a “Seed to Supper” workshop which is a 6-week beginner’s guide to low-cost vegetable gardening. Local residents who have nearby garden plots, garden experience, and a passion for growing food were trained as program leaders to teach gardening 101 in the community. The Liberty Street Gardeners play host to those who want to learn more about growing food every Monday from 5-7pm at the Lee Barta Community Center. While the lecture is classroom style, the residents prepare hands on activities during the workshop so participants can get their hands dirty. Food access and being able to consume healthy fruits and vegetables is one of the 4 objectives of the coalition which is made up of more than a dozen community organizations.
Students at Roosevelt Elementary are gearing up for this year’s garden club named “Roosevelt Roots.” Students in grades 4 and 5 meet once a week after school to learn how to grow their own food. A large garden sits right on the school campus including 5 raised beds, 3 composting bins, fruit trees, and a large grow space. Students started seedlings with VINES (Volunteers Improving Neighborhood Environments) volunteers and have been taking care of them all spring in the main hallway. Different classes have been tasked with monitoring the seedlings under the grow lights on the school’s grow racks. Students learn what plants need to thrive and grow, taste new vegetables, and will host a harvest dinner in the fall with vegetables grown in their garden. Roosevelt teachers have championed the project and help to maintain the garden over the summer months. Incorporating science and math in the garden has been a focus of HLC school based programming.
The Healthy Lifestyles Coalition is excited about all the great programs and activities that will continue on through the Spring and Summer months. Stay tuned!
